Are you someone who pays close attention to detail? If so, you might’ve noticed that in Marvel’s new ‘Loki’ series, the character is confirmed as gender fluid for the first time in the cinematic universe. While this may have come as a shock to some fans, others who have read the comics or brushed up on their Norse mythology know that Loki has always been gender fluid. Some may think that Marvel is simply making it canon now to increase its diversity ratings, however, even in Norse mythology, Loki is known to be androgynous and fluid with his gender. 

 

You would expect ancient Norwegians to be incredibly homophobic and misogynistic, but it might surprise you to know that many of their gods were known to change their sex at will. Although lesbianism and polyamorous relationships were socially acceptable for the most part, Vikings used to shame homosexually passive people. Essentially, the more dominant of the two men would be spared of the insults, but the submissive would receive insults, hatred, and humiliation. Homosexuality wasn’t considered odd, however, men were expected to marry and reproduce, so they had to eventually settle into the social conformity of heterosexuality. Moreover, in mythology it was deemed acceptable that Thor (Son of Odin, God of Thunder), had to wear a dress as a disguise to retrieve Mjöllnir from the giants who stole it. 

 

One might assume that Odin, God of War and the Dead, would be characterized as one of the most ‘masculine’ and virile gods in Norse mythology. On the contrary, Odin was known to also practice women’s magic called ‘Seiðr,’ which was taught to him by Freya (Goddess of Love, Fertility, Battle, and Death). This magic mainly allowed females to communicate with the dead, which is a trait Odin acquired after the dutiful guidance of Freya. Although in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Odin is known as Loki’s adoptive father, they are known to have no relation while being blood brothers (according to the Edda) in Norse mythology. In the MCU, there is no mention or reference to the practice of this magic done by Odin. It’s not surprising considering that they made Hel Odin’s first-born daughter– when in fact she is Loki’s. 

 

The most widely known gender-fluid icon in Norse mythology is none other than Marvel’s raven-haired, blue eyed Loki. He is most recognized as the God of Mischief and Trickery, but lesser known for his ability as a prominent shapeshifter. The most famed tale being when he transformed into a four-legged mare who was later impregnated by a stallion, giving birth to an eight-legged horse known as Sleipnir. His other children are Jörmungand- the serpent that encloses the world- and Fenrir, the wolf. Loki often used his ability to shapeshift to deceive others and wreak havoc, living up to his name as the God of Mischief. 

 

The confirmation of a genderfluid character in the MCU is one step closer towards a more inclusive franchise; however small of a step it may seem to others, it does have an impact towards the audience. Although the show never exclusively showed any transformation and he remained in a male body, it did include a female ‘variant’ of him and countless other shapes and forms. 
 

Citations:

Sarrubba, S. (2019, August 6). The secret LGBTI history of Vikings, Valkyries and Norse gods. Medium. https://medium.com/@stephsarrubba/the-secret-lgbti-history-of-vikings-valkyries-and-norse-gods-102f7f1c9c2e. 

Internet History Sourcebooks Project. (n.d.). https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/pwh/gayvik.asp. 

Real., • G. (2015, March 7). An Examination of Gender In Viking Age Scandinavia. Get Real. https://www.getrealcambridge.com/2015/03/07/an-examination-of-gender-in-viking-age-scandinavia/. 

Wikimedia Foundation. (2021, June 24). LGBT themes in mythology. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_themes_in_mythology#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20Norse%20gods,was%20practiced%20in%20woman's%20magic. 

Danny. (2021, June 7). Gender Bending In Viking, Ancient Greek And Egyptian mythology. Medium. https://medium.com/exploring-history/gender-bending-in-viking-ancient-greek-and-egyptian-mythology-c58645fd50dc. 

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Written By: Vidhi Channa

Edited By: Aarushi Bansal

Designed By: Nathan Upputuru

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